Easy open push button ecology end

ABSTRACT

An easy open push button end for containers includes a removable panel forming an opening in the container end wall and being defined by a score line. The container is opened, i.e., the score line ruptured, by applying a downward force on the panel to cause rupture of the score line. Where the score line is continuous, the severed panel drops into the container, and where discontinuous the panel may be folded back to the underside of the end wall. The score line is formed on the public side of the end wall, that is, the score faces away from the interior of the container while the unscored metal to the rear of the score faces towards the interior of the container. Cooperating with the end wall and the push button panel is a protective means in the form of a shoulder or a protective lip preventing contact between the user&#39;&#39;s finger while at the same time preventing the panel from being withdrawn through the formed opening. Typical types of score line arrangements are illustrated and described.

[ EASY OPEN PUSH BUTTON ECOLOGY END Mario A. Martella, Los Angeles.Calif.

[73] Assignee: Dayton Reliable Tool & Mfg, Co.,

Dayton. Ohio [22] Filed: Nov. 8. 1973 [2i] Appl. No: 4l3,842

[75] inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 220/268; 220/276; 220/906; 220/28l [51] int. Cl B65d 17/00{58] Field of Search t. 220/27. 48, 54, 90.6; 222/541 [56] ReferencesCited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.334 77S 8/1967 Klein ct al, 220/483.630.408 l2/l97l Elscr r r v 220/27 3.765.5(1l lU/l973 Hekal ct al. r220/901 3.794.206 2/l974 De Linc et al t 220/27 Primary E.raminer-GeorgeT. Hall Artur-nay, Agent, or Firm-George F. Smyth Apr. 29, 1975 [57]ABSTRACT An easy open push button end for containers includes aremovable panel forming an opening in the container end wall and beingdefined by a score line. The container is opened, i.e.. the score lineruptured by applying a downward force on the panel to cause rupture ofthe score line. Where the score line is continuous, the severed paneldrops into the container, and where discontinuous the panel may befolded back to the underside of the end wall. The score line is formedon the public side of the end wall, that is, the score faces away fromthe interior of the container while the unscored metal to the rear ofthe score faces towards the interior of the container. Cooperating withthe end wall and the push button panel is a protective means in the formof a shoulder or a protective lip preventing Contact between the user'sfinger while at the same time preventing the panel from being withdrawnthrough the formed opening. Typical types of score line arrangements areillustrated and described.

14 Claims, l2 Drawing Figures PiTENlEmPazsims SHEET P 6 3 & A, 6, Kg WEASY OPEN PUSH BUTTON ECOLOGY END BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thisinvention relates to easy opening containers and. more specifically, toan improved easy opening container in which the score line may beruptured by application of a downward force thereon. and whereinprotective means are provided to prevent laceration by the free edge ofthe score line. the score line being so placed in the end wall of thecontainer that the score faces away from the interior while the metal tothe rear of the score faces towards the interior of the container.

The ready acceptance of easy opening containers has resulted in extendeduse of this type of container for a substantial number of products.especially beverages, such as beer. soft drinks and the like. as well asother comestible products. This type of container is characterized by alever or tab permanently joined to a tear strip. the latter beingseparable from the end wall of the container to provide a pouring spout.in the form heretofore used. the tear strip is ruptured along acontinuous line and the pull tab and tear strip are removed anddiscarded.

The convenience of easy opening containers has created problems becauseof the unfortunate and indiscriminate disposal of the severed portion ofthe container top. For example, beach and picnic areas have had anaccumulation of litter in the form of tabs and tear strips which havebeen removed from easy opening containers. These discarded tabs and tearstrips are quite difficult to clean up because they are small and thuspass through the tines of a rake. Being made normally of aluminum. theycannot be collected by magnetic means. Nonetheless. this type ofcontainer is widely used and it is definitely advantageous to provide asolution to the problem of littering while still providing to the publicthe convenience of easy opening containers.

In addition to the problem of litter, the widespread use of easy opencontainers has increased the incidence of laceration due to exposure ofthe free edge formed after the tear strip is ruptured and removed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Several different approaches have been usedin the prior art to overcome some of the foregoing problems. By way ofexample. a non-continuous score line has been used such that the tearstrip remains attached to the container, see for example U.S. Pat. No.3,327.89l. An improvement in the structure described in theaforementioned U.S. Pat. No. is set forth in U.S. application Ser. No.103,255. filed Dec. Ill. 1970, and assigned to the same assignee. There.a container end having an inseparable tear strip is described whereinmeans are included to eliminate sharp edges along the score line.Another improved approach to the problem is described in U.S.application Ser. No. 346.7l2, filed Mar. 30, I973 and assigned to thesame assignee.

Recently. container ends have been formed with what is described as apush-button end" in that buttons are formed in the end wall. One suchstructure is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,334,775 in which a panel isforced downwardly into the container for providing a pour opening. inthat structure. the score line is so formed that the score faces theinterior of the container, i.e.. the non-public" side, so-called. Thescore is in turn covered by a plastisol sealant which is positioned onthe underside i.e.. the interior or non-public side of the container. Inthe usual course. the container end is fabricated and then the plastisolis applied. Not only is the application ofa plastisol or other coatingto a fabricated container end a relatively expensive ope ra tion, butthere are other objections.

For example. in opening such a container the panel is forced into thecontainer and the sealant bead must be ruptured. If the bead does notrupture clean" small pieces of the sealant may separate and fall intothe container. In other cases. stringers are formed. It is apparent thatformulation of the sealant must be such as to avoid ingredients whichmay adversely effect the flavor of the product within the container.Also, harmful components which may be extracted from the sealant must beavoided.

Yet, when the score line is on the non-public side of the end wall, asealant or other protective coating is used.

Another type of push-button end currently being used involves a lancedpanel which forms a hinged opening panel. The lanced panel is thereaftercoined such that its radial dimension is greater than that of theopening. The lanced panel is then sealed to the end wall by a bead ofsealant placed on the non-public side of the end wall. and giving riseto the same objections noted above.

The normal procedure for opening a container having a push-button endinvolves manually forcing the button into the container by use of onesfinger. as opposed to the use of an integrally attached tab to pull thebutton upwardly and away from the end wall. as is the case with the tearstrip type of easy open containers. By forcing the button downwardlyinto the container. either as a separately severed element which dropsinto the container. or as a hinged panel which is bent toward theunderside of the end wall. the problem of loose pieces which could beconsidered a source of litter is overcome. However. a potential hazardexists because of the free edge of the score line which results and thenecessity for the user to urge the panel down into the container thusnecessitating positioning of ones finger in close proximity to the freeedge of the score.

Structures for end walls of containers are also known in whichprotective beads are formed to protect against laceration. For examplesee U.S. Pat. No. 3,303,958 which describes an end wall which is removedby pulling away from the container. U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,961 describes anend in which the end wall is bent downwardly to rupture the score lineand then the panel is pulled outwardly as a separate piece. Again. theuse of a plastisol sealant is described.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,362,569 of 1968 describes a variant of a push buttontype of convenient opening. Somewhat modified in form, the type of scoreline there described has been used for push button ends and is referredto as a pinched score line.

SUMMARY OF THE lNVENTION The present invention relates to an easy opencontainer, and container end. and particularly to a container endstructure for use with cans, bottles and the like for dispensing ofbeverages and other products in which the container end is structured toinclude the advantages of a panel forming an opening in the end wallwhich is not separately discarded from the container. while at the sametime providing means to substantially reduce the incidence of lacerationby virtue ofthe free edge created by the score. The end wall of thecontainer includes a removable panel defined by a score line which maybe continuous. resulting in complete removal of the panel, ordiscontinuous and thereby forming a hinged panel. In either instance,removal or rupture of the score line is accomplished by applying a forceto the panel to urge the panel toward the interior of the container.

In order to reduce or substantially to eliminate the possibility oflaceration by the free edge of the score, a protective shield iscooperatively associated with the end wall and the removable panel. Theshield is positioned inwardly of the score line such that the user'sfinger cannot contact the edge of the score after rupture of the endwall panel. Such a structure not only provides the advantages of anecology end because the panel either remains with the end wall or isdropped into the container, but additionally, a safety feature existswhich prevents the user's finger coming into contact with the free edgeof the score.

Of significance is the fact that the score line is located on the publicside of the end wall. Thus, the need for sealants is eliminated and theobjections previously noted are overcome while providing a structurewhich is relatively safe and wherein the panel either remains on or inthe container. Moreover, the panel is dimensioned and located withrespect to the protective device such that even if the panel iscompletely removed and falls within the container, it cannot easily beremoved from the interior.

It will be apparent that other advantages and modes will be readilyunderstood by those skilled in the art after they have read the detaileddescription and referred to the accompanying drawings which illustratewhat are presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the bestmode contemplated for utilizing the novel and improved structure setforth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of animproved container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation of thecontainer end illustrated in FIG. 1',

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view, in section, illustrating therelative position of the protective means and the panel in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating the relative location ofthe parts following rupture of the score line, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a view in perspective of a modified form of the container inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view, in section, of the container end illustrated in FIG.5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the relative position ofthe parts of the container illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating the relative location ofthe parts subsequent to rupture of the score line in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of a score line configurationusable in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view, in section, of the score lineillustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. II is an enlarged sectional view of a pinched" score line usable inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary view, in section, of the score lineillustrated in FIG. 1].

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGS. I and 2 of the drawings whichare merely illustrative of one form of the improved easy openingcontainer of the present invention, a container 10 is shown in the formofa can body II to which a top 12 is attached. The top 12 is attached inthe usual fashion by a chime 13 which secures the can end to the canbody. The body may be of any of the conventional three-piece ortwo-piece types, for example, side soldered seamed, tin free steel,continuous welded seamed cans, or the so-called ironed cans.

The can top includes an end wall 15 having a removable panel 20 formedthereon, the removable panel being defined by a score line 21. In apreferred form, the removable panel is off-center with respect to theend wall 15 of the container so as to form a conveniently located pourspout.

In the form illustrated, the panel 20 is generally circular in shape,and the score line 2] is continuous, although it is to be understoodthat the panel may be of a shape other than circular while the scoreline may be discontinuous to form a hinged panel which is not separablefrom the end wall. Even though circular, the panel provides anacceptable pouring quality for beverage without the need for a separatevent opening. If desired, however a vent opening may be used with ahinged panel, the structure of the vent opening being as hereindescribed. As illustrated, the panel 20 is positioned somewhatvertically below the end wall 15 and is integrally formed with the endwall through a fold portion generally indicated 25 (FIG. 2).

Referring to FIG. 2, the score line 21 is formed such that the scoreface 26 is on the public side or facing away from the interior of thecontainer. The nonscored portion 27 of metal to the rear of the scoreline faces the non-public or interior of the container. With such adisposition of the score face 26, the need for sealants, as previouslydescribed, is unnecessary. The score line residual, or the solidmaterial in the new scored portion 27 may vary depending on the pressureof the product within the container. It is within the scope of thepresent invention to employ a score line having a relatively largeresidual in combination with a portion of a score line with lesserresidual in order to provide for initiation of the rupture of the scoreline. It is also within the scope of the present invention to use anantifracture score line for reasons well known in the art. Illustrativetypes of score lines are shown and described infra.

Referring to FIG. 3 which is a greatly enlarged view, for purposes ofexplanation, the fold portion 25 includes a radially inwardly extendingsmooth shoulder 30 formed at the junction of end wall 15 and fold layer3] which is located between the end wall 15 and the panel 20. Asillustrated, the shoulder 30 substantially completely surrounds thescore line 21 and is dimensioned radially such that it projectssubstantially be yond the score line. It is apparent that panel 20cannot be removed by pulling the panel out through the opening definedby the shoulder 30.

The shoulder 30 functions as a protective means following rupture of thescore line. Referring to FIG. 4, application of downward force on thepanel 20, by ones finger or other object such as a key or the like, isoperative to rupture the score line resulting in the information of asharp free edge 35 of the score. Normally, the nature of the rupture ofthe score line is progressive in that the initial rupture is at onelocation and progresses away from the start point. Thus it is usuallynecessary to depress the panel downwardly and perhaps back towards thenon-public side of the end wall in a hinging-like motion to completelyremove the panel even when the score line is continuous. It is in thisoperation where the possibility of laceration exists.

The usual practice. due to practical considerations. is to form thepanel of a reasonably small surface area so that the greatest force canbe exerted to rupture the score line. Accordingly, the clearance betweenthe users finger and the free edge 35 is not excessively great. Byforming the score line 21 in a position such that it is located radiallyoutwardly of the shoulder 30, sufficient protection is afforded toprevent laceration. Further, even if the force applied downwardly on thepanel is sufficient to distort the fold panel 25 by elongating itaxially, the free edge of the score is sufficiently displaced so thatthe possibility of laceration is reduced.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, another form of the improved easy openingcontainer of the present invention is illustrated. Container is shown inthe form of a can body 41 to which a top 42 is attached. The top 42 isattached in the usual fashion by a chime 43 which secures the can end tothe can body. The body may be of any of the conventional typesdescribed.

The can end includes an end wall 45 having a removable panel formedthereon, the removable panel being defined by a score line 51. Asillustrated, the score line is again formed in such fashion that thescore 52 faces the public side while the nomscored section 53 to therear of the score faces the non-public side.

In the form illustrated, the panel 50 is generally circular in shape,and the score line 51 is continuous, although it is to be understoodthat the panel may be of a shape other than circular while the scoreline may be discontinuous to form a hinged panel which is not separablefrom the end wall. As illustrated, the panel 50 is positioned somewhatvertically above the end wall 45, and integrally formed with the endwall through a fold portion generally indicated 55.

Cooperating with the end wall 45 and the panel 50 is a protective curlmember 60, the latter being secured to the end wall 45 and the panel 60by a peripheral edge 61 which engages the outer surface of the foldportion 55, as shown.

Referring to FIG. 7, the details of the association between theprotective curl 60, the fold portion and the panel 50 may be understood.The fold portion 55 which forms the integral connection between the endwall 45 and the panel 50 includes a radially outwardly extendingshoulder 65 which is continuous and completely surrounds the panel 50.The radial shoulder 65 cooperates with the end wall 45 to form a groove66 which is continuous, and positioned vertically between the radialshoulder 65 and the end wall 45. The peripheral edge 61 of theprotective curl is deformed to fit within the groove 66 such that theperipheral edge 61 cannot move vertically above the radial shoulder 65,

although rotational movement of the curl 60 may occur without adverselyaffecting the operation of the end.

The protective curl 60 includes a radially inwardly disposed lip 70which is preferably continuous, as illustrated. The lip extends radiallyinwardly with respect to the score line 51, that is, the score line 51on panel 60 is positioned between the peripheral edge 61 and the lip 70of the protective curl 60 with the result that the protective curloverlies the score line 51, as shown.

Referring to FIG. 8, wherein like reference numerals have been applied,the end wall 45 is shown with the panel 50 separated by virtue ofrupture of the score line 51. As illustrated, rupture of the score lineexposes a free edge 72 of the score. Normally, the free edge 72 of thescore is sharp and may cause lacerations. However, by the presentinvention, the free edge 72 of the score is in effect covered by the lip70 of the protective curl 60 such that the cutting edge 72 isinaccessible in the event that a users finger is inserted through theaperture formed by rupturing of the score line.

As is apparent from the foregoing exemplary embodiments of thisinvention, a protective means is disclosed which may be integrallyformed in the end wall or affixed conveniently to the end wall such thata protective guard overlies the panel with the score line locatedradially outwardly of the guard. Of the forms illustrated, that of FIGS.5-8 is the preferred even though an additional separate element,protective curl 60, is used. The preference is based on the fact thatadditional strength is possible because the fold portion 55 is notcompletely flattened as is the case with fold portion 25. Additionally.the peripheral edge 61 of the curl is received in the groove 66 and addsstrength to the fold portion tending to resist axially downwardlyexerted forces applied during the rupturing of the score line.

Even if the portion of the top between the shoulder and the score lineis deformed downwardly during rupturing of the score line, the extent ofdownward movement is limited by the portion of the fold radiallyinwardly of the groove 66. Nonetheless, the lip operates to preventcontact with the free edge 72 of the score. Such structural integritypermits the use of lower score residuals, as may be needed with certaintypes of beverages or due to the processing of certain types ofproducts.

An additional factor is the process for forming the end, that is, thescore line is visible prior to assembly of curl 50 to the end wall. Inthe form illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the score line lies between the foldsof the fold portion and is covered by that portion of the fold betweenthe end wall 15 and the panel 20.

In any event each form of the invention described offers the advantagesofa captive panel i.e., one which remains in or on the container,protection against laceration, and a score line on the public side thuseliminating the use of sealants as in some of the prior devices.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, where like reference numerals have beenused where applicable, a score line generally indicated is shown. Inthis form, the score line is preferably continuous and placed incompression by an adjacent cooperating coined area 85. By placing thescore line in compression, it has sufficient strength to withstandmoderate pressures within the container. but is rupturable by fingerpressure. As illustrated, the score line is generally V-shaped andincludes an apex 86, the open face of the score line being on the publicside of the end wall. The coined area 85 is generally cir cular in planview and spaced radially inwardly and along the full extent of the scoreline 80.

In the form illustrated in FIGS. ll and 12, a score line 90 of thepinched type is shown. In this form, the push out panel 91 is dishedi.e.. bulges downwardly with the score line being in compression byvirtue of the pressure within the container acting on the nonpublic side92 of the push out panel. The score line itself is the thinned section93 of metal which is fractured by pushing preferably at about point 95indicated by the arrow. As downward pressure is applied along an are. asindicated at 95, the score line 92 fractures and the panel 91 drops intothe container.

As is apparent. the score line 90 includes a thinned section 93 which isoriented to form the junction between the end wall 96 and the dishedpush panel 91. the latter including a peripheral flat portion 97 whichis spaced vertically relative to the end wall 96, as shown. Thus. thisform of score line includes a generally horizontally disposed line ofweakness positioned between the plane of the end wall and the plane ofthe removable panel. The dished out section 99 of the push out panel.when under pressure from the container contents tends to place the scoreline in compression thus providing unexpected strength with respect tocontainer pressure but being rupturable from the public side whenpressure is properly applied as indicated.

lt will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various forms of ascore line may be used in accordance with this invention provided thepanel may be pushed. It will also be apparent that the guard structureacts as a guide tending to compel the user to locate his finger in sucha fashion that pressure is applied adjacent to the score line in orderto bring fracturing pressure to bear at the appropriate portion of thepanel adjacent to the score line.

While the score lines have been illustrated with reference to a guardstructure of the type illustrated in FIG. 1, it is apparent that thesame or equivalent score lines may be used with a guard of the typeillustrated in FIG. 5.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, from the foregoingillustration and description of various forms of the invention. thatmodifications may be made in the form. construction and arrangement ofthe parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined in the following claims.

l claim:

1. A container having an easy opening push-button panel end comprising:

means forming a container.

end wall means secured to said container and forming a closure therefor,

panel means in said end wall capable of forming an opening therein,

said panel means being defined by a score line formed in said end wallwhereby application of force downward on said panel means effectsrupture of at least a portion of said score line to form an opening insaid end wall by urging said panel means into said container. therupture of said score line creating a free edge capable of causinglaceration.

said score line being so disposed on said end wall that the score facesaway from the interior of said container while the unscored metal to therear of said score faces towards the interior of said container,

protective means cooperating with said end wall and said panel means andincluding protective guard means overlying said panel and said scoreline to prevent contact between said free edge and the user whilepreventing said panel from being withdrawn through the formed aperturein said end wall,

said end wall including a folded portion radially outwardly of saidguard means, and

said score line being located on the portion of said panel between thefolded portion and said guard means.

2. A container as set forth in claim I wherein said protective meansincludes protective guard means associated with said end wall,

said guard means including means forming a lip which extends radiallyinwardly of said score line to prevent contact between a users skin andthe said free edge formed upon rupture of said score line.

3. A container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said end wall includesfold means extending vertically away from said container.

said fold means supporting said panel vertically away from said endwall. and

said guard means being affixed to said fold means.

4. A container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said end wall includesmeans to maintain said panel in spaced relation to said end wall,

said protective means being cooperatively associated with said lastnamed means and including a portion thereof which overlies said scoreline.

5. A container as set forth in claim 1 further including:

means integral with said end wall to support said panel vertically abovesaid end wall. and

said protective means being carried by said integral means and includinga peripheral portion which extends radially inwardly of said score line.

6. A container as set forth in claim 5 wherein said integral meansincludes means forming a groove generally surrounding said score lineand spaced radially outwardly thereof. and

said protective means being mounted on said integral means and includinga portion thereof received in said groove.

7. A container as set forth in claim 1 further including means integralwith said end wall and supporting said panel,

said integral means including means to receive said protective means invertically fixed relation.

8. An easy opening push-button panel end for containers and the likecomprising:

means forming an end wall and adapted to be secured to a container toform a closure therefor,

panel means in said end wall and capable of forming an opening therein.

said panel means being defined by a score line formed in said end wallwhereby application of a force downward on said panel means effectsrupture of at least a portion of said score line to form an opening insaid end wall by urging said panel into said container,

said panel means being spaced vertically with respect to said end wall,

means cooperating with said panel and said end wall and including aperipheral portion which extends radially inwardly of said score line toform a protective guard upon severance of said score line.

said end wall including a shoulder which is radially outwardly of saidguard. and

said score line being located in the portion of said panel which isradially outwardly of said guard and radially inwardly of said shoulder.

9. A container having an easy opening push-button panel end comprising:

means forming a container,

end wall means secured to said container and forming a closure therefor,

panel means in said end wall capable of forming an opening therein,

said panel means being defined by a weakening line formed in said endwall whereby application of force downward on said panel means effectsrupture of at least a portion of said weakening line to form an openingin said end wall by urging said panel means into said container.

said panel means being attached to said end wall by fold means integralwith said end wall,

guard means attached to said end wall and including a peripheral portionoverlying said weakening line thereby preventing said panel from beingwithdrawn through said guard means and out of said container,

said end wall including a shoulder which is radially outwardly of theperipheral portion of said guard means, and

said weakening line being located in the portion of said panel which isradially outwardly of said peripheral portion and radially inwardly ofsaid shoulder.

10. A container as set forth in claim 9 wherein said panel is verticallyabove said end wall,

said fold means including means defining a groove, and

said guard means including a portion received in said groove and aportion overlying said weakening means.

11. An easy opening push-button panel end as set forth in claim 1wherein said score line is in compression.

12. An easy opening push-button panel end as set forth in claim Iincluding means defining a coined area cooperating with said score lineto maintain the latter in compression.

13. An easy opening push-button panel end as set forth in claim 8wherein said panel is dished downwardly toward the non-public side ofsaid end.

14. An easy opening push-button panel end as set forth in claim 13wherein said score line is in compres- SlOn.

1. A container having an easy opening push-button panel end comprising:means forming a container, end wall means secured to said container andforming a closure therefor, panel means in said end wall capable offorming an opening therein, said panel means being defined by a scoreline formed in said end wall whereby application of force downward onsaid panel means effects rupture of at least a portion of said scoreline to form an opening in said end wall by urging said panel means intosaid container, the rupture of said score line creating a free edgecapable of causing laceration, said score line being so disposed on saidend wall that the score faces away from the interior of said containerwhile the unscored metal to the rear of said score faces towards theinterior of said container, protective means cooperating with said endwall and said panel means and including protective guard means overlyingsaid panel and said score line to prevent contact between said free edgeand the user while preventing said panel from being withdrawn throughthe formed aperture in said end wall, said end wall including a foldedportion radially outwardly of said guard means, and said score linebeing located on the portion of said panel between the folded portionand said guard means.
 2. A container as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid protective means includes protective guard means associated withsaid end wall, said guard means including means forming a lip whichextends radially inwardly of said score line to prevent contact betweena user''s skin and the said free edge formed upon rupture of said scoreline.
 3. A container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said end wallincludes fold means extending vertically away from said container, saidfold means supporting said panel vertically away from said end wall, andsaid guard means being affixed to said fold means.
 4. A container as setforth in claim 1 wherein said end wall includes means to maintain saidpanel in spaced relation to said end wall, said protective means beingcooperatively associated with said last named means and including aportion thereof which overlies said score line.
 5. A container as setforth in claim 1 further including: means integral with said end wall tosupport said panel vertically above said end wall, and said protectivemeans being carried by said integral means and including a peripheralportion which extends radially inwardly of said score line.
 6. Acontainer as set forth in claim 5 wherein said integral means includesmeans forming a groove generally surrounding said score line and spacedradially outwardly thereof, and said protective means being mounted onsaid integral means and including a portion thereof received in saidgroove.
 7. A container as set forth in claim 1 further including meansintegral with said end wall and supporting said panel, said integralmeans including means to receive said protective means in verticallyfixed relation.
 8. An easy opening push-button panel end for containersand the like comprising: means forming an end wall and adapted to besecured to a containEr to form a closure therefor, panel means in saidend wall and capable of forming an opening therein, said panel meansbeing defined by a score line formed in said end wall wherebyapplication of a force downward on said panel means effects rupture ofat least a portion of said score line to form an opening in said endwall by urging said panel into said container, said panel means beingspaced vertically with respect to said end wall, means cooperating withsaid panel and said end wall and including a peripheral portion whichextends radially inwardly of said score line to form a protective guardupon severance of said score line, said end wall including a shoulderwhich is radially outwardly of said guard, and said score line beinglocated in the portion of said panel which is radially outwardly of saidguard and radially inwardly of said shoulder.
 9. A container having aneasy opening push-button panel end comprising: means forming acontainer, end wall means secured to said container and forming aclosure therefor, panel means in said end wall capable of forming anopening therein, said panel means being defined by a weakening lineformed in said end wall whereby application of force downward on saidpanel means effects rupture of at least a portion of said weakening lineto form an opening in said end wall by urging said panel means into saidcontainer, said panel means being attached to said end wall by foldmeans integral with said end wall, guard means attached to said end walland including a peripheral portion overlying said weakening line therebypreventing said panel from being withdrawn through said guard means andout of said container, said end wall including a shoulder which isradially outwardly of the peripheral portion of said guard means, andsaid weakening line being located in the portion of said panel which isradially outwardly of said peripheral portion and radially inwardly ofsaid shoulder.
 10. A container as set forth in claim 9 wherein saidpanel is vertically above said end wall, said fold means including meansdefining a groove, and said guard means including a portion received insaid groove and a portion overlying said weakening means.
 11. An easyopening push-button panel end as set forth in claim 1 wherein said scoreline is in compression.
 12. An easy opening push-button panel end as setforth in claim 1 including means defining a coined area cooperating withsaid score line to maintain the latter in compression.
 13. An easyopening push-button panel end as set forth in claim 8 wherein said panelis dished downwardly toward the non-public side of said end.
 14. An easyopening push-button panel end as set forth in claim 13 wherein saidscore line is in compression.